Teen Mental Health Treatment: What to Expect at an RTC

Teen Girl in Residential Treatment Centers

What to Expect from Residential Treatment Centers

Choosing the right residential treatment center for your teen is a crucial decision, and it’s essential to understand what to expect. There’s a lot of noise about RTCs online, especially negative, after Paris Hilton testified at the congressional hearings and advocated closing abusive and outdated behavioral schools.

Let us be clear, we agree with her that any center that relies on abusive and outdated practices should be shut down.

Beyond the Misconceptions: What Modern RTCs Truly Offer

Parents should not consider a residential treatment option for their struggling teen without considering all of the relevant information.

Not all centers are created equally.
Some treatment centers are not luxurious schools and some are…
Most treatment centers are not places to send a difficult child who is causing turmoil at home.
RTCs are mental health treatment facilities that provide struggling teenagers with round-the-clock clinical care when other options fail.

Mental Health Treatment in RTCs Now

The landscape and our understanding of mental health have changed since 2010, when this article was originally published. Let’s address the differences:

Focus on Underlying Issues for Behavior

An understanding that there are underlying mental health issues for behaviors.
RTCs in the past were focused on behavioral problems and used strict discipline to change behaviors, resulting in psychological trauma.
Most RTCs recognize that a struggling at-risk youth requires a more holistic approach, and focus on the interplay between mental health, emotional well-being, and behavior.

Treatment Plans and Modalities

Treatment plans now often include:
- a combination of individual and group therapy
- medication management (if necessary),
- skill-building activities that address the root causes of struggles.
Individualized treatment plans are the norm today, these plans include:
- Comprehensive assessments
- Ongoing evaluations to ensure that each teen receives the most effective and appropriate care for their specific challenges.
Evidence-based therapies are relied on for treatment
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based interventions
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management (if necessary),
- Skill-building activities that address the root causes of struggles.
- Alternative therapies like:
  - art therapy
  - equine therapy
  - wilderness therapy
  - adventure-based therapy
  - leadership training
  - practices that focus on spiritual well-being

Focus on Trauma-Informed Care

Today, we have a new understanding of the impact of trauma and how trauma affects mental health, leading to the widespread adoption of trauma-informed care practices in RTCs.
Settings are designed to be more secure and supportive, ensuring that all interactions are built on trust.

Technological Integrations

RTCs address the influence of technology on teen mental health, incorporating strategies for healthy technology use and addressing issues like cyberbullying and social media addiction.
Many RTCs now incorporate remote sessions for continued care post-treatment using telehealth.
With technologies like Zoom and video conferences, family therapy sessions are now possible and are integrated into treatment.
Some use of digital tools for monitoring mood and behavior, and for self-management of symptoms, has become more common.

Regulatory and Quality Standards

Advances in regulatory standards and accreditation requirements for RTCs have ensured higher-quality care.
More RTCs now use standardized tools to measure treatment outcomes and continually adjust treatment plans based on empirical data.

Patient and Family Engagement

There’s a greater emphasis on involving family members in the treatment process, recognizing the role of family support in successful outcomes.
Treatment plans are more patient-centered, with increased family and patient involvement in decision-making processes about their care.

Stigma Reduction & Mental Health Awareness

Mental health stigma was more prevalent and led families to conceal mental health struggles. Today, we have increased awareness and advocacy thereby, reducing the stigma, and encouraging more open conversations and early intervention.

RTCs actively work to create safe and supportive environments where teens feel comfortable addressing their mental health needs.

Flexible Duration Based on Individual Progress

High-quality residential treatment centers understand that mental health recovery varies by individual. Rather than imposing a fixed duration, such as a 90 to 180-day program, they focus on personalized milestones tailored to each child’s specific needs.

As your child approaches the completion of their program, you will be promptly informed, preparing both you and your child for the transition. Patience is crucial during this period, as premature withdrawal from the program can hinder your child’s path to recovery. Staying committed to the process allows for the best possible outcomes, facilitating a successful reintegration into daily life outside the center.

Communication with Your Child

Communication policies at residential treatment centers are designed to support your child’s treatment while keeping you informed and involved. Initially, direct contact may be limited to help your child settle into the program and focus on recovery. During this phase, communication might be restricted to written letters to ensure a calm and therapeutic environment.

As your child progresses, the communication guidelines will gradually expand. Modern centers often incorporate scheduled video calls and supervised electronic messaging, alongside traditional phone calls, adapting to the needs of the family and the treatment process.

Designated visitation days like parent weekends and specific visiting hours will be clearly communicated to you, allowing for planned, meaningful interactions with your child. Please be aware that adherence to the center’s rules is essential, and privileges related to communication may be adjusted based on your child’s specific needs.

Explore the Right Program for Your Child

Residential treatment centers vary significantly in their approaches and offerings. It’s crucial to thoroughly investigate what each program can uniquely provide to ensure it aligns with your child’s needs. Look for a program that not only has a comprehensive range of services but also boasts a team of qualified professionals committed to youth recovery.

Understanding the financial aspect is equally important. Investigate available options such as insurance coverage, scholarships, sliding scale fees, and flexible payment plans to make the treatment accessible. We encourage you to reach out directly to discuss how these options can be tailored to fit your financial situation.

Take the Next Step: Contact Us Today

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our family counselors to learn more about how you can support your child’s journey to wellness. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you make the best decision for your child’s future.